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What Increases Your Risk of Suicide?

You may be more likely to have suicidal thoughts if you
have any of the following conditions, lifestyle choices, or diseases or take
any of the following medicines. Be sure to tell your health
professional.

Conditions

Age older than 60

A new medical problem or illness

Bisexuality or
homosexuality

Disfigurement following an accident or
disease

Divorce or death of a partner

Death of a parent
at an early age

Family history of depression, suicide, or mental
illness

History of physical or sexual abuse

History of
suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts

Loss of
employment

Loss of family or social support

Loss of
mobility, especially when physical activity is important to an
occupation

A head or spinal cord injury

Male
gender

Recent stressful life event or anniversary of the event,
such as a death in the family, marriage or divorce, the birth of a child, a job
loss, or a job promotion or demotion

White race

Lifestyle choices

Alcohol abuse or withdrawal

Drug abuse or
withdrawal

Access to firearms

Medicines

Some medicines can cause depression, which
increases the risk of suicide. These medicines include:

Antihypertensive medicines, such as reserpine
(Serpasil) or beta-blockers (such as propranolol).

Corticosteroids,
such as prednisone.

Medicines used to treat cancer
(chemotherapy).

Diseases

Amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis

Asthma

Cancer

Chronic
pain

Cushing's disease

Depression or other mental
health condition, such as bipolar disorder, panic attacks, schizophrenic, or
severe anxiety

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use.
How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions

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